ROLE OF PHYSICIANS IN DRUG ADHERENCE OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Abstract

Physicians have an important role in enhancing medication adherence among patients. Supporting the elderly patients in terms of medication administration improves the health outcomes. The study examined the roles of physicians in the medication adherence among geriatric patients attending private clinics in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A mixed method of research involving interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis were used. Physicians working at the private clinics were interviewed individually. In addition, questionnaires were distributed to elderly patients in UAE. Demographic data were computed using descriptive statistics method. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 19 was used to analyze and code the raw data while Chi square test was used to analyze the responses. The results indicated that physicians have an important role in the medication adherence among geriatric patients. The results also revealed that physicians provide follow-up services for patients after discharge from the hospital. This was supported by 74% of the physicians who agreed to be performing follow-up services. Other roles identified included providing information on drug use and reactions (82%), conducting patients’ education on self-care (88%), prescribing drug fit for patients (97%), providing counseling and emotional support (85%), and using electronic dosing (91%). In conclusion, physicians perform a significant role in providing medication support to the elderly in the UAE. These physicians provide information to geriatric patients on how to take their medication, therefore, promoting better health outcomes.